The best laid plans of mice and men…

Entries Tagged as 'US House of Representatives'

and not going to take it any longer is the phrase we’ve heard from the silver screen when it comes to the breakdown of our political system.

One thing to keep in mind is that the people you elect (or maybe I should say the people who find their way to “public” office — since recent history tells us they might not always be elected) don’t know what’s on your mind unless you tell them.

Sure they look at polls and surveys and listen to the media — but pollsters, surveyors, and the media have their own agenda — and are often funded by big business to make sure their interests are put in the spotlight (favorably).

The best way to let your elected officials know your feelings are to contact them.

When you do contact them; make sure you’ve written a clear and concise message. Keep it simple — you don’t need to include any extraneous details or information that reasonable people would be aware of. Tell them who you are if you’re someone who’s “professional” view on the topic would give it additional credibility. Make sure any specific details (including enough to identify the legislation or initiative) is included; again if you have information that may not be available provide the facts. Close your message with the specific action(s) you’d like to see taken. If you want a response, include your contact information so that they can reply to you.

I’ll close by saying you should avoid vulgarity, profanity and threats (which might get you a visit from the Secret Service, or a “vacation” at “Club Fed”)… it’s fine to underscore your frustration or anger, but do it in a calm, reasonable way and treat the individual with respect (even if you don’t feel their actions have earned your respect).

If you need more help, you can locate examples of letters about issues on the Internet, and simply use one of those as the basis for your contact.

Read up on the maneuvering United Parcel service is aiming for in the US Congress to attempt to limit competition in the form of the FAA Reauthorization bill that could make labor costs increase radically for Federal Express.

Time to put an end to special interest legislation; time to vote out senators and representatives who cater to special interests — hell, in my mind time to vote out every incumbent!